GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR NAMI CONVENTION

The NAMI Convention is packed with information, chances to network, leadership development opportunities, and lots more. To help ensure that you get what you want from the convention, we offer this highly abbreviated version of the program indicating what areas of interest different sessions and events address.

Use the key below to determine which programs and events best fit your areas of interest:

Becoming more familiar with NAMI's leadershipObtaining tools to enhance my leadership skillsLearning about programs and resources for me and/or my family member (CE credits available)Finding out about new services, research, and treatment (CE credits available)Looking for an entertaining change of pace and/or a chance to connect with other attendees

Please use the colored shapes that correspond to the different categories as a quick guide to help you pick the days that are most beneficial to you.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6

Council Meetings: Meetings for NAMI's three councils and the executive directors group.

NAMI Consumer Council

State Presidents Council

NAMI Veterans Council

Executive Directors Group

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Affiliate Leaders NetworkingNAMI Affiliate leaders are invited to join this interactive session designed just for you and your needs.

9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Special Seminar or Borderline Personality DisorderIn conjunction with the National Education Alliance on Borderline Personality Disorder, this seminar is intended for Family-to-Family teachers, trainers and graduates.

This year's Institute will offer two important program tracks for participants to choose from:

Track 1: Better Together: Building Partners in ExcellenceWe are pleased to offer all volunteer and staff leaders from NAMI State Organization and NAMI Affiliates a shared opportunity to develop organizational excellence. This year, our program will feature workshops and activities that highlight the NAMI priorities of achieving and maintaining the NAMI Standards of Excellence, organizational capacity building and advocacy. Participants will leave these sessions with a new perspective on working together to create organizations that reflect the mission and values of NAMI, while meeting the Standards of Excellence.

Track 2: Better Together: NAMI's GrassrootsAdvocacyFor NAMI members and others who are not currently in a leadership role with their state or affiliate organization, Track Two of the Leadership Institute offers an opportunity to explore and understand the pivotal role of advocacy in the NAMI mission and to learn about our advocacy goals. Participants will also experience how to harness the power of personal stories and where and how to use NAMI's collective grassroots advocacy to make a difference for children and adults who live with mental illness and their families.

6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Convention OrientationWelcome to the 2011 NAMI Annual Convention! The convention has been developed to provide you with abundance of educational opportunities during the next few days, many of which will be running concurrently. During this brief orientation, we'll explain the overall design of the convention schedule, point out some special events, and help you plan your convention experience. This session is especially recommended for people attending their first NAMI Convention.

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

SPECIAL SESSION WITH DR. THOMAS INSEL, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH)An update of new research underway at NIMH, the nation's largest research institution devoted to mental illness. During his eight-year tenure as director of NIMH, Dr. Thomas Insel has stressed the need for practical clinical trials and the need for research and treatment advances to move from the research lab to practical application as soon as possible. He has also expanded NIMH's research focus to include the organization and delivery of mental health services.